When scouting for a cheap pair of binoculars, you want a gadget that will serve you without having to break the bank. Binoculars, however, can stand anywhere between a few tens of dollars for cheaper brands to a few thousand for more pricey brands. This buying guide sources out the best binoculars under $100 on the market that are very affordable without sacrificing quality.
Best Binoculars Under $100
Below, we take a look through a list of binoculars under $100 from genuine brands.
1. NIKON 8245 ACULON A211 8X42 BINOCULARS
This pair of Nikon 8245 ACULON A211 8×42 binoculars has all the features you’re looking for. It’s lightweight and extremely portable for extended use. It also comes with a solid rubber coating for a solid, comfortable grip to prevent accidental slip. It is also very affordable.
- Impressive magnification and field of view.
- Comes with adjustable eyepiece for variable functions.
- Multi-coated eco-glass lenses for great performance in low-light conditions.
2. BUSHNELL LEGACY WP PORRO PRISM BINOCULARS
The Bushnell Legacy WP Porro Prism is designed in two models: The less expensive 8x power model with 42mm lenses, and the slightly more expensive 10x model which has large, 50mm lenses. The two are designed for a great viewing experience, but the 50mm lens pair will give you a better and brighter image, thanks to its greater aperture. They are both built for comfort and are easy to use.
- Ergonomic, rubber-coated handle for excellent grip and impact absorption.
- Great eye relief for people who use glasses.
- 8x or 10x magnification.
3. BUSHNELL FALCON 10X50 BINOCULARS
The Bushnell Falcon 10×50 Wide Angle binoculars comes with large 50mm lenses and impressive 10x magnification. It yields sharp images and a wide field of view, great for object tracking. Its variable range makes it ideal for even short distance viewing.
- Excellent viewing range.
- 10x magnification and large 50mm lenses.
- Fully-coated lenses to reduce reflection.
4. WINGSPAN OPTICS VOYAGER 10X42 BINOCULARS
The Wingspan Optics EagleScout 10×42 is a great choice for many people with its 10x magnification that’s hard to come by at its price. It is also waterproof and fog proof making it the ideal viewing gadget outdoors. It is compact and lightweight, making for excellent portability.
- Impressive magnification and aperture.
- Superb image quality.
- Is lightweight and compact.
5. ESCHENBACH ARENA F+ 10X25 BINOCULARS
This gadget boasts of impressive magnification and portability. It quickly folds into a compact unit you can take on the go and is weather resistant. It yields excellent image quality and eye relief.
- BaK-4 prisms that ensure clear and bright colored images
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Made with Extra-low Dispersion glass that ensures clear and detailed images.
Binoculars Under $100 Buying Guide
Hopefully, everything we’ve put together in this article will go a long way in helping you choose the perfect binoculars on a budget. However, there are some factors you want to look out for before you make a purchase.
Our buying guide evaluates the best binoculars on the market based on their features and outlines points you should consider when scouting for one under $100 to ensure you still get quality.
Optics
Finding good optics can be hard when you’re on a budget. However, you can still get a good deal and value for your money if you know the right place to look. The magnification and diameter of the lenses matter because they determine how close and how sharp the images will appear. Larger lenses or greater apertures are usually better because they let in more light, which produces brighter images and a wider field of vision.
Greater aperture, however, makes for a heavier and bulkier unit for the same magnification.
Binocular Casing
It’s important to consider the outer shell of the binoculars. The ideal material for any pair of binoculars should be lightweight and impact resistant. The best shells are made of metal alloys and are highly durable. These, however, tend to be quite heavy. Plastic is also a common material used for cheap binocular shells. Ideally, any pair of binoculars you’re getting should be coated with soft rubber to ensure a good grip and absorb impact.
Safety Accessories
Given the fragile nature of the internal components of binoculars, it may not be a bad idea to have safety accessories around. Neck-straps and harnesses are some of the most common accessories to keep your binoculars safe. While your hands are busy, you can easily hook on your binoculars without having to drop them. Some harnesses come with extra pockets that allow you to store your binoculars or other gadgets conveniently.
Another great safety accessory is a lens cap that serves the purpose of keeping your lens’s surface free from dust and also prevent accidental breakage.
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